Wispy Bangs Will Convince You to Get a Cut ASAP

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The right type of bangs have the ability to completely change your entire look, but just as it can be hard to make up your mind on the kind of haircut you want, it can be equally tricky to figure out the best type of bangs for you. If retro-inspired curtain bangs aren't for you and micro bangs are a bit too edgy, wispy bangs may be a good fit.

Similar to layers, a wispy bangs haircut can bring new life into your existing look without having to change your entire style. As made evident by Hilary Duff, Emma Chamberlain, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Elizabeth Olsen, they're a popular choice for 2024. They are soft and add some intrigue to the face without being too edgy or dramatic (unlike a style like blunt bangs, for example).

Below, a celebrity hairstylist shares everything you need to know about wispy bangs, like what to ask for at the salon and how to style them at home.


Experts Featured in This Article

Sophie Sugarman is a celebrity hairstylist.


What Are Wispy Bangs?

As the name suggests, this bangs style is piecey and delicate. "Wispy bangs are the perfect fringe trend for summer," celebrity hairstylist Sophie Sugarman tells PS. "They're super light, airy, and fresh."

Wispy bangs work for all hair types and textures, as well as all lengths — long, medium, or short. "It's the perfect style to try if you don't want to fully commit to blunt bangs but want to add softness, texture, and beautiful shape around the face," Sugarman says.

Before you commit, make an appointment with your stylist to go over your options. "Take your hairdresser's advice on what fringe would suit you and your face shape," Sugarman says. Also, don't forget to bring reference photos with you. "It's always great to show your stylist so they can visually see what you are thinking."

How to Cut Wispy Bangs and Style Them

Wispy curtain bangs can be cut straight across the forehead or layered with more texture. A big differentiator between them and many other types is the way they're cut: with layers instead of a blunt finish. This is what gives them the wispy, effortless feel.

Getting wispy bangs is only half the battle; the second half is learning to style them. Sugarman says practice is key. "It can take a couple of times to understand how your bangs want to sit, so play around with them and see what styling tool works best for you." She recommends using a velcro hair roller to set your bangs after blow-drying — this adds long-lasting volume to the style.

Texture sprays are also great for accentuating the wispiness of this bangs style. "It helps you achieve that full, effortless tousled texture in just a few seconds," Sugarman says, adding that she likes the Unite Beach Day Spray ($31, originally $33). Our favorites include the Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray ($30), as well as the Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray Light ($43, originally $46), which is a great affordable option.

Long Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs that go across the forehead add some personality to long hairstyles. They give your haircut a fresh, flirty look.

Wispy Bangs on Short Hair

You don't need long hair to have wispy bangs — the haircut pairs great with short styles like bobs and lobs.

Wispy Bangs on Long Hair

Wispy bangs can add a fun detail to long, straight hair. They also add some personality to your look when it's pulled into an updo.

Wispy Bangs With Layers

You can give your curtain bangs a modern twist by adding a piecey finish to the ends. These wispy bangs with layers blend seamlessly with the rest of the haircut.

Wispy Bangs on Curly Hair

Wispy bangs will look slightly different on curly or textured hair, but you can still get in on the trend. This cut will add lots of bounce to your fringe.

Wispy Bangs With Wavy Hair

Wispy bangs and wavy hair just make sense. The natural texture of the waves mimic the swoop of the bangs.


Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.